Chuck Schumer Introduces Bill to Federally Decriminalize Marijuana

In the newest development on the cannabis legislation front, Chuck Schumer introduced a bill to federally decriminalize marijuana. Although his proposal would not make weed fully legal, it could be a significant step toward relaxing national prohibition laws.

Chuck Schumer’s New Bill

New York Senator Chuck Schumer introduced a new bill yesterday. The centerpiece of the bill is a proposal to remove cannabis from the DEA’s list of Schedule I controlled substances.

De-scheduling marijuana would effectively decriminalize weed by moving into a much less severe category. Cannabis would still technically be illegal, but moving it out of its current Schedule I classification would dramatically change the way federal prohibition laws would be enforced.

Interestingly, that’s not the only change Rep. Schumer’s bill would make. It would reportedly also introduce a handful of other changes. If the bill is passed into law it would:

Establish funds specifically for marijuana businesses owned by women and marijuana business owners of color. Set aside $750 million for highway safety programs and other public health projects. Allow the Treasury Department to regulate certain aspects of cannabis advertising and marketing. Set up around $100 million in grants to help expunge criminal records of folks who have